Method and apparatus for selecting a condition of a fitness machine in relation to a user

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine has an adjustable response from a selection panel for operation by a user or transmitter for carrying by the user, the selection panel or transmitter for transmitting user-related data; a receiver for receiving the user-related data; and a device operatively connected to the exercise machine for setting the adjustable response of the exercise machine in response to the received user-related data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/872,960,filed Dec. 5, 2006, and incorporates the same by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a condition-selectable fitness machine, whichas used herein includes all types of fitness or exercise or likemachines having at least one selectable condition of use and, moreparticularly, relates to a method and apparatus for selecting at leastone such condition in relation to a user.

Condition selectable fitness machines, e.g., treadmill and/or weightlifting fitness machines, have required that the users manually selectthe conditions, e.g., time, repetitions, speed and/or weight, that themachines will provide the users. Such machines are described in thefollowing 156 U.S. patent Publications and first 100 of 234 U.S. patentsthat are incorporated herein by reference to describe the methods andapparatuses thereof, such incorporation being based on their designationby the Patent Office web site as claiming fitness or exercise machinecontrol.

PUB. APP. NO. Title 1 20070270294 Abdominator: abdomen and obliquesexercise machine 2 20070270287 Tug-O-War Exercise Machine 3 20070265891Electronic passenger management method and system in railroad passengercars/long-distance buses 4 20070265139 Non-strenuous under furnitureexercise device 5 20070259759 VIBRATIONARY EXERCISE EQUIPMENT 620070249468 System for monitoring exercise performance 7 20070233506Privately Managed Entertainment and Recreation Supplies ProvisioningMethod 8 20070232467 Reciprocable load resisting device 9 20070225136Gymnastic machine 10 20070219457 Wireless Ear-Clips Heart Rate Monitor11 20070208392 System for functional electrical stimulation 1220070202995 Gymnastic machine 13 20070202994 Gymnastic machine 1420070197345 Motivational displays and methods for exercise machine 1520070187485 CASH HANDLING 16 20070181121 System, method and apparatusfor applying air pressure on a portion of the body of an individual 1720070180414. Facilitating structural coverage of a design during designverification 18 20070168941 Subclass partitioning in a patternrecognition classifier system 19 20070168156 Factor estimating device,method and program recording medium therefor 20 20070142175 AUTOMATEDMECHANISM. FOR COLLAPSING EXERCISE EQUIPMENT 21 20070099764 Recumbentelliptical exercise apparatus 22 20070087905 Compact Elliptical ExerciseMachine with Adjustable Stride Length 23 20070083288 Minibar 2420070072528 RETENTION DEVICE WITH CRANK TRANSMISSION 25 20070054788Control system and method for exercise machine 26 20070037676 Horizontalhamstring stretcher 27 20070027001 Gymnastic machine 28 20070023041Leisure Fitness Equipment With Oxygen-Supplying Function 29 20070021274COMPACT ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE WITH ADJUSTABLE STRIDE LENGTH 3020070015632 ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS WITH ARTICULATING TRACK 3120070008111 System monitoring activities and location 32 20070003037Method and system for automatic generation and testing of voiceapplications 33 20060282024 MULTIFUNCTION. EQUIPMENT 34 20060269251 Bodyexercise A/V player controller 35 20060259629 Methods and apparatus fordetermining aspects of multimedia performance of a wireless device 3620060252602 Program and system for managing fitness activity acrossdiverse exercise machines utilizing a portable computer system 3720060236248 Methods and apparatus for implementing manual and hybridcontrol modes in automated graphical indicators and controls 3820060229822 System, method and software for automated detection ofpredictive events 39 20060220883 Method and system of aircraft pilotassessment 40 20060206442 Systems and methods for managing controlsystems through java extensions 41 20060199702 ADJUSTABLE ELLIPTICALEXERCISE MACHINE 42 20060186910 Mapping variations in local temperatureand local power supply-voltage that are present during operation of anintegrated circuit 43 20060183602 System for weight loss and improvingphysical fitness 44 20060183083 Vehicle crew training system 4520060172858 Control panel for fitness machine 46 20060166791 Ellipticalexercise machine with adjustable elliptical path 47 20060155201 CARDIACRHYTHM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MULTIPLE MORPHOLOGYTEMPLATES FOR DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN RHYTHMS 48 20060111944 System andmethod for encouraging performance of health-promoting measures 4920060094572 Control for hydraulic system for exercise equipment 5020060094569 Exercise machine and method for use in training selectedmuscle groups 51 20060084553 Treading exercise machine having twistingoperation function 52 20060084422 Control glove 53 20060080657 Methodand structure for autonomic application differentiation/specialization54 20060074755 Online loyalty program 55 20060073809 Online loyaltyprogram 56 20060058159 ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS CAMS 57 20060053215Systems And-methods for providing users with access to computerresources 58 20060046913 Ergonomic total body developer 59 20060046905Load variance system and method for exercise machine 60 20060046898System and method for automating and controlling waiting list 6120060040795 ORBITAL EXERCISE MACHINE WITH ARM EXERCISE 62 20060033625DIGITAL ASSURANCE METHOD AND SYSTEM TO EXTEND IN- HOME LIVING 6320060030466 Feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercisemachine 64 20060030460 Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods forexercise machines 65 20050277519 Compact Elliptical exercise machinewith adjustable stride length 66 20050272562 EXERCISE MACHINE 6720050258838 Mapping variations in local temperature and local powersupply voltage that are present during operation of an integratedcircuit 68 20050245370 Powerwalk plus 69 20050239602 Bi directionalresistance exercise apparatus 70 20050227815 Walk simulating machine 7120050209052 System and method for selective adjustment of exerciseapparatus 72 20050181918 Vibrationary exercise apparatus 73 20050181912Elliptical exercise apparatus with adjustable crank 74 20050164853Dynamically controlled resistance exercise machine 75 20050164837 Strideadjustment mechanism 76 20050148441 Adjustable exercise device 7720050124471 Total body exercise machine with adjustable railings and/oradjustable incline 78 20050102172 System and method for evaluatinginsurance member activity and pricing insurance products 79 20050101464Exercise machine 80 20050084831 Training simulator and method ofconstructing same 81 20050075214 Program and system for managing fitnessactivity across diverse exercise utilizing a portable computer system 8220050066353 Method and system to monitor delivery of content to acontent destination 83 20050049122 Physical rehabiliation and fitnessexercise device 84 20050049121 Exercise device with centrally mountedresistance rod and automatic weight selector apparatus 85 20050023275Procedure for soldering the constituent layers of a multilayer printedcircuit and the machine used for same 86 20050015118 Muscle stimulationsystems 87 20040260960 Method for pulse train reduction of clockingpower when switching between full clocking power and nap mode 8820040254050 Automatic variable resistance exercise system 89 20040242383Strength and power training system 90 20040224827 Selectable forceexercise machine 91 20040220019 Easy access stepper 92 20040215791Concurrent web based multi-task support for control management system 9320040214693 Dual deck exercise device 94 20040209738 System and methodfor controlling an exercise apparatus 95 20040176223 Inclined leg pressweight training machine 96 20044162193 Exercise device for side-to sidestepping motion 97 20040157714 Electric exercise machine for tilting andinverting human body 98 20040138033 Exercise machine 99 20040127335Systems and methods for controlling the operation of one or moreexercise devices and providing motivational programming 100 20040106502Exercise machine 101 20040097339 Adjustable stride elliptical motionexercise machine and associated methods 102 20040093313 Maritime freightoption 103 20040067822 Instrument for exercise machine 104 20040062558Functionality switching for MICR printing 105 20040054302 Method anddevice for determining the anatomical condition of a human being or ananimal and a strength training machine and a computer programme which issaved to a memory medium 106 20040033864 Proprioceptive/kinestheticapparatus and method 107 20040018918 Control circuit using toggledactivation to reduce inrush currents 108 20040018917 Cooling system forexercise machine 109 20040009857 Leg press weight training machine 11020040005960 Treading exercise machine with elliptical trace 11120040002409 Leg curl/leg extension weight training-machine 11220030226695 Weight control method using physical activity basedparameters 113 20030198251 Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferlessswitch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significant increase incost 114 20030186784 Training machine, image output processing deviceand method, and recording medium which stores image outputting programs115 20030181291 Training machine image output processing device andmethod, and recording medium which. stores image outputting .programs116 20030174722 Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switchcircuitry to increase bandwidth without significant increase in cost 11720030174721 Fibre channel arbitrated logy bufferless switch circuit toincrease bandwidth without significant increase in cost 118 20030174720Fibre channel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increasebandwidth without significant increase in cost 119 2003069753 Fibrechannel arbitrated loop bufferless switch circuitry to increasebandwidth without significant increase in cost 120 20030168571Adjustable rack 121 20030158796 Distributed personal automation andshopping method, apparatus, and process 122 20030158020 Overheadadjustable resistance exercise machine 123 20030148853 Apparatus forphysical exercise with magnetic interaction between the parts of whichit is made 124 20030134714 Exercise assistance apparatus 125 20030120183Assistive clothing 126 20030118040 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 127 20030108061 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 128 20030108060 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 129 20030108058 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 130 20030108050 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 131 20030107996 Fibre channel arbitrated loopbufferless switch circuitry to increase bandwidth without significantincrease in cost 132 20030104908 Electronic running exercise machinewith a bidirectional supersonic detector 133 20030092532 Exercise devicefor cross training 134 20030088808 Design verification 135 20030080929Switched mode digital logic method, system and apparatus for directlydriving LCD glass 136 20030069108 Exercise training and monitoringsystem 137 20030032529 Remote measuring device for an exercise machinewith counterweights 138 20030013995 Fat combustion value calculatingmethod, fat combustion value calculating-device and exercise machine 13920030001882 Portable entertainment machines 140 20020147075 Exercisemachine, capable of training and soothing muscles 141 20020138317 Systemfor implementing an exchange 142 20020115537 Rowing exercise machine 14320020111251 Golfing exercise machine 144 20020087373 System and methodto organize and manage corporate capitilization and securities 14520020055419 System and method to improve fitness training 14620020055417 VARIBLE CONFIGURATION EXERCISE MACHINE 147 20020037792Fitness equipment 148 20020036389 Bicycle pedaling power unit with.leverage shifting 149 20020025888 Programmable exercise machine 15020020019298 Pathfinder elliptical exercise machine 151 20020002104Posture training machine 152 20010051565 Exercise machine 15320010036886 Variable stride elliptical exercise apparatus 15420010016510 Game machine, game device control method, informationstorage medium game distribution device, and game distribution method155 20010011052 Power controlled exercising machine and method forcontrolling the same 156 20010008861 Machine-assisted exercising 17,280,871 Muscle stimulation systems 2 7,226,401 Exercise machine 37,207,925 Compact elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stridelength 4 7,201,708 Machine-assisted exercising 5 7,182,714 Compactelliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length 6 7,175,568Elliptical exercise apparatus with articulating track 7 7,150,702 Legcurl/leg extension weight training machine 8 7,128,693 Program andsystem for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise machinesutilizing a portable computer system 9 7,104,929 Adjustable ellipticalexercise machine 10 7,097,591 Adjustable stride elliptical motionexercise machine and associated methods 11 7,086,995 Control circuitusing toggled activation to reduce inrush currents 12 7,077,795Feet-binding apparatus for a tilting inversion exercise machine 137,060,003 Horizontal rope pulling apparatus 14 7,052,438 Ellipticalexercise apparatus cams 15 7 044,893 Walk simulating, machine 167,028,221 Apparatus and method for capturing knowledge through an expertinterface 17 7,025,711 Orbital exercise machine with arm exercise 187,014,600 Overhead adjustable resistance exercise machine 19 7,009,157Procedure for soldering the constituent layers of a multilayer printedcircuit and the machine used for same 20 7,004,891 Inclined leg pressweight training machine 21 7,004,890 Leg press weight training machine22 6,994,657 Elliptical exercise machine 23 6,991,587 Ellipticalexercise apparatus with a~ustment 24 6,955,630 Exercise machine 256,942,599 Control panel for use while exercising 26 6,920,584 Systemdesign verification using selected states of a processor-based system toreveal deficiencies 27 6,909,856 Functionality .switching for MICRprinting 28 6,902,513 Interactive. fitness equipment 29 6,881,176Exercise assistance apparatus 30 6,878,099 Cooling system for exercisemachine 31 6,811,517 Polestrider exercise apparatus with dual treads 326,749,537 Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise andhealth equipment 33 6,746,371 Managing fitness activity across diverseexercise machines utilizing a portable computer system 34 6,735,576Method of real-time optimization of control device equipped with fuzzyinference system 35 6,702,719 Exercise machine 36 6,695,694 Gamemachine, game device control method, information storage medium, gamedistribution device, and game distribution method 37 6,683,587 Switchedmode digital logic method. system and apparatus for directly driving LCDglass 38 6,651,201 Programmable memory built-in self-test combiningmicrocode and finite state machine self-test 39 6,634,992 Trainingmachine, image output processing device and method, and recording mediumwhich stores image outputting programs 40 6,632,161 Apparatus and amethod for loading weights 41 6,626,805 Exercise machine 42 6 626,800Method of exercise prescription and evaluation 43 6,612,969 Variablestride elliptical exercise apparatus 44 6,601,016 Monitoring fitnessactivity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a universallyaccessible server system 45 6,579,212 Posture training machine 466,561,955 Machine-assisted exercising 47 6,554,309 Bicycle pedalingpower unit with leverage shifting 48 6,537,229 Method and apparatus formonitoring and improving blood circulation by resonance 49 6,535,862Method and circuit for performing the integrity diagnostic of anartificial neural network 50 6,511,404 Exercise machine capable oftraining and soothing muscles 51 6,482,132 Compact elliptical exerciseapparatus 52 6,458,080 Managing parameters effecting the comprehensivehealth of a user 53 6,443,837 Bonus games for gaming machines withstrategy options 54 6,440 042 Pathfinder elliptical exercise machine 556 422,977 Compact elliptical exercise machine with adjustment 566,422,976 Compact elliptical exercise machine with arm exercise 57 6413,191 Exercise equipment connected to an electronic game of chance 586,409,632 Compact elliptical exercise machine 59 6,394,239 Controllablemedium device and apparatus utilizing same 60 6,390,951 Apparatus andmethod for aligning exercise machines 61 6,383,154 Multi-stagebi-directional breath flow and blood circulation aider 62 6,368,251Machine force application control with safety braking system andexercise method 63 6,361,476 Variable exercise apparatus 64 6,339,910Device for the of products into a packaging container 65 6,336,891Interactive exercise pad system 66 6,314,390 Method of determining modelparameters for a MOSFET compact model using a stochastic searchalgorithm 67 6,311,488 Cooling fan drive apparatus 68 6,302,833Multi-function exercise machine 69 6,301,515 System for establishingoptimal critical characteristics of manufactured products 70 6,293,375Permanent magnet brake mechanism 71 6,283,896 Computer interface withremote communication apparatus for an exercise, machine 72 6,270,445In-bed exercise machine and method of use 73 6,264,197 Dozer pusheramusement game 74 6,244,988 Interactive exercise system and attachmentmodule for same 75 6,193,631 Force script implementation over a widearea network 76 6,179,746 Activity controlled audio-visual system 776,176,813 Power controlled exercising machine and method for controllingthe same 78 6,168,552 Selective lift elliptical exercise apparatus 796,162,151 Ambulatory exercise machine and ambulatory exercise system 806,152,856 Real time simulation sensing 81 6,152,855 In-bed exercisemachine and method of use 82 6,149,612 Rehabilitative apparatus fortreating reflex sympathetic dystrophy 83 6,135,924 Treadmill withoptical position sensing 84 6,129,552 Teaching installation learning andpracticing the use of fire-fighting equipment 85 6,106,297 Distributedinteractive simulation manager system and method 86 6,095,949 Healthmanagement device 87 6,090,014 Adjustable cross trainer exerciseapparatus 88 6,085,135 Method for agricultural map image display, 896,077,198 Selective lift. cross trainer exercise apparatus 90 6,077,196Adjustable elliptical exercise apparatus 91 6 066 074 Exercise apparatusand method 92 6,064,854 Computer assisted interactiveentertainment/educational character-goods 93 6,059,692 Apparatus forremote interactive exercise and health equipment 94 6,056,670 Powercontrolled exercising machine and method for controlling the same 956,045,488 Lift variable cross trainer exercise apparatus 96 6,042,513Non destructive runaway protection for an electric motor 97 6,042,512Variable lift cross trainer exercise apparatus 98 6,042 508 Adjustablehand-held exercise weight with pulse detection and remote infraredcontrol 99 6,024,676 Compact cross trainer exercise apparatus 1005,993,359 Variable stroke elliptical exercise apparatus

Selecting the condition of a machine with a card having punched holes ora magnetic stripe is too well known to require description. Newer RFID(radio frequency identification device) tags and transponders are alsoknown. Disclosures of these are incorporated herein by reference to thefirst 100 of 3032 U.S. patent Publications and 813 U.S. patents, suchincorporation being based on their designation by the Patent Office website as claiming an rfid tag or transponder.

PUB. APP. NO. Title 1 20070276985 Data format for efficient encoding andaccess of multiple data items in RFID tags 2 20070276984 Data format forefficient encoding and access of multiple data items in RFID tags 320070276944 APPARATUS FOR ACCESS CONTROL AND PROCESSING 4 20070276923Printed publication with an interface to a video or audio device 520070276735 Information system and information-providiniz method 620070275735 MAP INFORMATION COMMUNICATED VIA A WIRELESS SYSTEM 720070275673 SIGNAL TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING APPARATUS CAPABLE OFPREVENTING THE RECEIVING END FROM SATURATING 8 20070274626 OpticalDevice Characterization 9 20070274242 MULTI-TAG EMULATOR 10 20070273534Vehicle activity module 11 20070273532 RFID tag for conductive surface12 20070273531 Communication antenna and pole with built-in antenna 1320070273530 Tag communication device, tag moving direction detectingsystem and tag moving direction detecting method 14 20070273525 RADIOFREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS 15 20070273524 WIRELESSSYSTEM TO DETECT PRESENCE OF CHILD-IN A BABY CAR SEAT 16 20070273520Garment marking clip and label strip 17 20070273519 System For ManningInformation Of A RFID Tag, Apparatus For Communicating With A RFID TagReader For Communicating With A RFID Tag, Cartridge For Including AtLeast A RFID Tag, And RFID Tag 18 20070273517 Apparatus and method forintegrated healthcare management 19 2007027316Self-referential-integrity checking system and method 20 20070273481RFID to with programmable read range 21 20070273473 Wirelesscommunications devices, wireless communications systems, and methods ofperforming wireless communications with a portable device 22 20070272758Cartridge and system for duplicating optical disks 23 20070272746Medical Device Radio Frequency Identification System and Method 2420070272272 Dishwasher and Method Thereof 25 20070271180 MULTIMEDIACONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COUPLING A SENSOR ENABLED-MEDIUMTO A NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE 26 20070270744 Limited Reuse Assembly ForOphthalmic Injjection Device 27 20070270672 Wearable Sensor Device andSystem 28 20070268759 Systems for and methods of asset management in awaste management service environment 29 20070268322 Printer 3020070268142 VSWR classification and non-resonant encoding of RFID tagsusing a near- field encoder 31 20070268136 Methods and apparatus fordetermining and using distance information for distances between RFIDtransceivers and REID tags 32 20070268135 System and method fordetecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying explosive materials.using visibility devices 33 20070266782 USER INTERFACE FOR VEHICLEINSPECTION 34 20070265984 Financial transaction using mobile devices 3520070265964 System and Method for Payment Using Radio FrequencyIdentification in Contact and Contactless Transactions 36 20070265924System and method for funding a collective account b use of anelectronic tag 37 20070265877 INFORMATIVE ACCESSORIES 38 20070265799System for determining three dimensional position of radio transmitter39 20070265729 SYSTEM, METHOD AND CORRESPONDING APPARATUS FOR STORING,RETRIEVING AND DELIVERING UNIT DOSE BLISTERS 40 20070265004 System-formeasuring radio communicative region 41 20070264974 Privacy Control ofLocation Information 42 20070264968 Location-Based Targeting 4320070263560 Push-to-talk over cellular group set-up and handling usingnear field communication (NFC) 44 20070262873 REFID UHF STRIPLINEANTENNA-COUPLER 45 20070262872 MULTISTATIC ANTENNA CONFIGURATION FORRADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) SYSTEMS 46 20070262870 Tagcommunication system, interference preventing method and tagcommunication controller 47 20070262867 RFID COUPLER FOR METALLICIMPLEMENTS 48 20070262865 Antenna for a Combination Eas/Rfid Tag with aDetacher 49 20070262864 CONTAINER FOR INCLUDING AT LEAST A RFID TAG,APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A RFID TAG, MANAGEMENT SERVER FORMANAGING PRODUCTION INFORMATION OF_A RFID TAG, AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FORMANAGING PRODUCTION INFORMATION OF A RFID TAG 50 20070262860Distribution of Messages and the Serving, Collecting, Managing, andAnalyzing and Reporting of Information relating to Mobile and otherElectronic Devices 51 20070262849 Active/Passive Coupled Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID)_system 52 20070262134 SYSTEM AND METHOD FORACTIVATING TELEPHONE-BASED PAYMENT INSTRUMENT 53 20070261713Transmitting/Receiving Device for Washing Machine and Apparatus andMethod Thereof 54 20070261280 Portable folding sign apparatus 5520070260808 Remotely controllable media distribution device 5620070260572 INTERACTIVE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 57 20070260491 System fordelivery and monitoring of administration of controlled substances 5820070260466 System and methods for a recycling program 59 20070259477Process for Making an Organic Field Effect Transistor 60 20070258957Method for obtaining and storing multipotent stem cells 61 20070258221Semiconductor Device 62 20070257984. Method for Displaying RouteInformation 63 20070257857 Apparatus for and Method of Using a DiversityAntenna 64 20_070257803 RF-CONTROLLED DEVICES TO INCREASE COMPLIANCEWITH HANDWASHING PROTOCOLS 65 20070257802 Memory module and card withintegrated RFID tag 66 20070257801 RFID label, tag tape roll, RED.circuit element cartridge 67 20070257800 IC tags/RFID tags for magneticresonance imaging applications 68 20070257799 METHOD AND STRUCTURE FORUSING DAISY CHAINED RFID TAGS 69 20070257796 Wireless picocellular RFIDsystems and methods 70 20070257795 Systems and methods for approximatingthe location of an REID tag 71 20070257776 Verification of singulatedRFID tags by RFID readers 72 20070257768 System and method forpoint-of-sale activation of consumer electronics 73 20070257101 Systemsand methods for providing access to gaming devices 74 20070256291Electronic small elements supported on a carrier. 75 20070255820 Methodsand apparatus for aconsolidated switch for use with networked RFcomponents 76 20070254712 Mobile commerce method and device 7720070254676 Assisting A Location-Determining System Using LocationDetermined From A Communication System 78 20070254674 LocationDetermination With A Wireless System 79 20070254670 System and methodfor optimizing throughput in a wireless network 80 20070254080 RFID foodproduction, inventory and delivery management method for a restaurant 8120070253593 Methods for making an authenticating system 82 20070252944Eyewear with enhanced fit 83 20070252773 Antenna Structure for aWireless Device with a Ground Plane Shaped as a Loop 84 20070252704 REIDlabel 85 20070252701 RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) PORTALANTENNA MOUNTING FRAME 86 20070252700 Affixing Method of Rfid Label andits Affixing Apparatus 87 20070252697 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYINGMISSING ITEMS 88 20070252691 Sensor system including multiple radiofrequency identification tags 89 20070252687 METHOD AND APPARATUS FORIMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF RFID SYSTEMS 90 20070252677METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF RFIDSYSTEMS 91 20070252676 Mobile RFID_reader system and_method 9220070252185 Integrated circuit and manufacturing method thereof 9320070252001 Access control system with RFID and biometric facialrecolanitio_n 94 20070251993 Rfid Card Issuing System 95 20070251521RFID food production, inventory and delivery management system for_arestaurant 96 20070251190 Method And Apparatus For Inflating And SealingPacking Cushions Employing Film Recognition Controller 97 20070250704Privacy enhanced identity scheme using an un-linkable identifier 9820070250603 System and method for enhancing DHCP and SNMP messages withRFID EPC ID 99 20070250537 METHOD OF MATCHING THE CONTENTS OF ACONTAINER WITH INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ITS USE 100 20070250411 Systemand method for inventory tracking and control of mission-criticalmilitary equipment and supplies

PAT. NO. Title 1 7,305,324 System and method for identifying.validating, weighing and characterizing moving or stationary vehiclesand cargo 2 7,304,585 Initiation of actions with compressed actionlanguage representations 3 7,304,579 RFID reader to select code modules4 7,304 578 Tag including RFID circuit storing data modifiable using aphysically alterable medium 5 7,304,577 Variable frequency radiofrequency identification (RFID)-tags 6 7,304 576 Refurbishing and resaletechniques for data storage tape 7 7,304,574 Alarm investigation usingRFID 8 7,303,123 Method of labeling an item for item-levelidentification 9 7,303,120 System for biometric security using a FOB 107 303,080 Waste sensor for a disposable container 11 7,302,751 Method offabricating a rat's nest RFID antenna 12 7,299,987 Portable handsethaving a radio frequency identification(RFID function and method usingthe same 13 7,299,125 In-transit package location tracking and reporting14 7,298,330 RFID tag with enhanced readability 15 7 298,273 RFID tag 167,298,268 Read authentication system for securing data stored on RFIDtags 17 7,298,267 RFID test interface systems and methods 18 7,298,265RFID tag and method of manufacturing the same 19 7,298,264 RFID tagfiltering and monitoring 20 7,298,258 Construction hard hat havingelectronic circuitry 21 7,298,251 Hand held RFID reader with dipoleantenna 22 7,296,745 Store item mark down system and method 23 7,296,740Routing telecommunications to a user in_dependence upon location 247,295,132 Self-locating devices via highly directional RFID tags incontrolled location 25 7 295,120 Device for verifying a location of aradio-frequency-identification RFID tan an item 26 7,295,118 Low costRFID system 27 7,295,116 Architecture, programming model and APPS 287,295,114 Location management for radio frequency identification readers29 7,295,113 Controller for accessing multiple frequency identification(RFID) readers 30 7,294,369 Polymerisable cinnamates with lateralsubstitution 31 7,294,116 Surgical smoke plume evacuation system 327,293,715 Marking system and method 33 7,293,705 Radio frequencyidentification method and system of distributing products 34 7,292,512System using radio frequency identification (RFID) for copy managementof digital media 35 7 292,148 Method of variable position strap mountingfor RFID transponder 36 7 292,147 Optical disk and method of integratinga high gain RFID antenna 37 7,292,146 Advanced food and or drinkorganization and or handling system 38 7,292,138 Vehicle tire with RFIDtag 39 7,290,717 System and method for machine readable symbol backupfor radio frequency identification tags 40 7,290,709Information_(——)card_(———)system 41 7,290,702 Method and apparatus forrecording and utilizing unknown signals of remote control devices 427,290,701 Gathering data relating to electrical components picked fromstacked trays 43 7,289,810 Location detection and network awareness formulti-mode/multi-radio mobile devices 44 7,289,027 Network managementusing suppressible RFID tags 45 7,289,026 Method and system forgathering data from RFID tags on library items and transmitting thatdata to the active focus of an application 46 7,287,693 Proximityvalidation system and method 47 7,286,900 Medical item storage method 487,286,888 Automated manufacturing control 49 7,286835 Enhanced wirelessnode location using differential signal strength metric 50 7,286,158Method and system for providing integrated remote monitoring services 517,286,055 Tamper-resistant RFID disabling apparatus 52 7,286,043 Systemand method for inventorying multiple remote objects 53 7,2,84704Combined electromagnetic and optical communication system 54 7,284,703System and method for minimizing unwanted re-negotiation of a passiveRFID tag 55 7,284,692 ATM with RFID card, note, and check readingcapabilities 56 7 284,003 Product lifecycle data management system andproduct lifecycle data management method 57 7,283,975 System and methodfor tracking and managing construction projects 58 7,283,054Tamper-resistant RFID disabling, apparatus and method of manufacturing59 7,283,048 Multi-level meshed security network 60 7,283,044 Method andapparatus for a privacy enabling radio frequency identification (RFID)reader 61 7,283,037 RFID tags adjusting to different regulatoryenvironments, and RFID readers to so adjust them and methods 627,283,035 Radio frequency data communications device with selectivelyremovable antenna portion and method 63 7,281,657 Device for digitizingand processing checks in accordance with the Check 21 Act and forreading an decoding optical codes 64 7,281,311 Method of attaching atransfer resistant RFID tag to a surface 65 7,280,642 Status monitoriessystem utilizing an RFID monitoring system 66 7,280,251 System andmethod for calibrating color printers 67 7,280,045 Machine-readable tagselectable extension antennas for use therewith, and display structurehaving such tag 68 7,280,044 RFID activated paperchip tag 69 7,278,568Mail sorting systems and methods 70 7,277,889 Asset management andstatus system 71 7,277 223 Apparatus-and methods for focusing andcollimating telescopes 72 7,277,017 RFID tag 73 7,277,016 System andmethod for disabling RFID tags 74 7,276,137 Textile product having anintegrated sensor for measuring pressure and temperature 75 7,275,682Sample identification utilizing RFID tags 76 7,275,040 RFIDsecurity-device for optical disc 77 7,274,909 Method and system forselecting items for service requests 78 7,274,297 RFID tag and method ofmanufacture 79 7,274,296 RFID tag 80 7,274,292 Proximity managementsystem and method using radio-frequency identification tags 81 7,274,291Dynamic and hybrid RFID 82 7 273 179 Portable data reading device withintegrated web server for configuration and data extraction 83 7,272,502RFID tag installation system using a vehicle and a method thereof 847,271,719 RFID system for monitoring food hygiene 85 7,271,715 Personalarticles tracking 86 7,271,702 Method and system for autonomouscorrelation of sensed environmental.. attributes with entities 877,270,268 Radio frequency identification systems applications 887,269,361 System and method for notifying a user of a document left at axerographic apparatus 89 7,268,736 Small rectenna for radio frequencyidentification transponder 90 7,268,688 Shielded RFID transceiver withilluminated sensing surface 91 7,268,687 Radio frequency identificationtags with compensating elements 92 7,268 686 RFID radiation nullifier 937,268,684 Workstation RFID reader for surgical instruments and surgicalinstrument trays and methods of using same 94 7,268,680 Electronicidentification tag with electronic banding 95 7,267,286 System andmethod for batch conversion of RFID tag to to RFID label 96 7,267,270Goods tracking system and method 97 7,267,262 Method and apparatusconfirming valuable items 98 7,266,518 Spare parts inventory management99 7,265,675 Multistatic antenna configuration for radio frequencyidentifcation (RFID) systems 100 7,264,161 Process for, monitoringproduction of compositions

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention changes this paradigm by introducing the concept of SmartEmbedded Actuator System for RFID Enabled Fitness Machines. From apractical perspective, this means that a user will carry, e.g., wear, aninteractive, e.g. punched, magnetic or RFID tag, which herein includesany such portable transponder, that will be detected by a reader on orat a condition selectable fitness machine. The detection of the tag willprovide information relative to the user and/or a selectable conditionof the machine.

If the detection of the tag provides selection of a condition of themachine, the machine is set for the condition relative to the user bythe user's carrying the tag detected. In this case, the user may have tocarry multiple tags to provide information relative to the user toselect conditions of respective machines and/or to change the tagcarried when the condition selected is to be changed.

If the detection of the tag provides information relative to the user,e.g. user identification, the reader is connected to a device, e.g., aPC running a software application that will associate the tagidentification with its own database of condition selection for theidentified user for correspondingly setting a respective fitnessmachine.

The condition of the machine set depends on the machine. For atreadmill, for example, the condition may be one or both of time orspeed of operation. For a weight lifting machine, for example, anactuator will select a weight to lift. Therefore, still other selectableconditions of these and still other fitness machines are contemplatedaccording to the conditions of such machines selectable relative to theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments that illustrate but do not limit the inventionwill now be described relative to a drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial elevation of a weight lifting fitness machineincorporating the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom plan view of a weight portion of thefitness machine of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is based on a commercial IronBody cable-operated weight lifting machine 10. As well known in suchmachines, a cable arrangement pulls a bar (not shown) having holes (notshown) along its length. The bar extends through central holes (1 inFIG. 2) of a stack of plate weights (2 in FIG. 2) having transverseholes or bottom grooves (4 in FIG. 2) to the holes in the bar. Actuators6 (one shown in FIG. 2) on each of the plate weights extend members whenactivated as shown for the one in FIG. 2 into one of the holes in thebar. Then, movement of the bar with the cable lifts all the plateweights above the plate weight with the activated actuator, whereby toselect that weight condition for the machine 10.

To select the actuator to actuate, a user carries to the machine 10 atag (not shown) indicating the actuator, thereby relating the user tothe actuator that will select the condition of the machine relative tothe user as described above. While the tag may be in other preferredembodiments (not shown) another machine readable device such as a punchor magnetic-swipe card, the tag for this preferred embodiment is a RadioFrequency Identification Device, RFID, which is known as described aboveto be a radio frequency transponder that responds without other inputpower to a radio frequency signal in this case from an RFID antenna 8 onor at the machine 10. A power supply 12 provides the radio frequencysignal to the antenna 8, which receives the transponded signal from thetag to indicate an actuator. The transponded signal received by theantenna is provided to an RFID reader 14, which reads from thetransponded signal identification of the actuator 2 and sends a signalto the actuator 2 to select it and, thereby, a weight relative to thetag carried by the user.

In another preferred embodiment, the tag carried by the user identifiesthe user, for example by a gym membership number or other code or name,and the RFID reader is a personal computer (PC) or PC-like device thatlooks up the so-identified user in a database that correlates the userto an actuator of the machine to select as above a weight relative tothe user.

Thus, a whole system is composed of:

-   -   a) A weight lifting fitness machine (does not matter the brand,        in this case IRON BODY brand);    -   b) An RFID reader and antenna (e.g., a Samsys);    -   c) A PC (e.g., running windows XP );    -   d) A VB6 software application;    -   e) An actuator (e.g., a solenoid brand Black Knight        123-420-620-620)    -   f) A DC power supply to energize the solenoid; and    -   g) Sensors (OPTIONAL, to count the number of exercise        repetitions being performed).

Though the invention makes sense as a whole, considering all thecomponents and their interaction to offer a SMART experience, theunique/innovative element is the embedded actuator in each of themachines's weight plates, controlled by the RFID reader.

Variations, permutations and combinations of the elements of theinvention as will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art arecontemplated as within the scope of the invention of the followingclaims.

1. In a system with an exercise machine having an adjustable response, the improvements comprising: at least one of a selection panel for operation by a user or transmitter for carrying by the user, the selection panel or transmitter for transmitting user-related data; a receiver for receiving the user-related data; and a device operatively connected to the exercise machine for setting the adjustable response of the exercise machine in response to the received user-related data.
 2. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID).
 3. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection panel is at the exercise machine for receiving the user-related data.
 4. The exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the selection panel is at the exercise machine for receiving the user-related data.
 5. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises means for converting the user-related data into the adjustable response, whereby the same user-related data may adjust different responses on different exercise machines.
 6. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the device comprise at least one of a PC or solenoid.
 7. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the selection panel and transmitter is voice responsive for input thereinto of the user-related data.
 8. The exercise according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable response is at least one of weight, speed or duration.
 9. In a fitness machine having a controllable condition, the improvements comprising: means for carrying to the fitness machine by a user of the fitness machine and identifying the user; a reader on or at the fitness machine for detecting the identifying of the user and associating the identification with a condition selection for the user in a database; and an actuator on the fitness machine responsive to the condition selection for correspondingly setting the fitness machine.
 10. In a fitness machine having a controllable condition, the improvements comprising: means for carrying to the fitness machine by a user of the fitness machine and selecting the controllable condition of the fitness machine relative to the user; a reader on or at the fitness machine for detecting the selected controllable condition; and an actuator on the fitness machine responsive to the selected controllable condition for correspondingly setting the fitness machine. 